Stabilizing structure for a recreational vehicle

ABSTRACT

A transportable fold-out structure includes a support frame. First and second primary platforms are pivotally supported by the support frame and each is disposed in an upright position wherein the platform extends upwardly. Two wall assemblies are disposed opposite each other. Each wall assembly includes a plurality of wall segments joined together. Each wall segment is pivotally joined to the support frame or one of the primary platforms. Each wall assembly is movable from a first position wherein the wall assembly is lying above the first and second primary platforms to a second position wherein the two wall assemblies face each other. First and second extensions are configured to be selectively positionable wherein a first portion of the extension is connected to the support frame and a second portion of the extension is remote from the corresponding first portion and extends laterally from the support frame.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.14/961,450 entitled “FOLD-OUT TRAILER HAVING ROOF AND/OR WALLS FORMEDWITH A PLURALITY OF FABRICS”, which is a divisional of U.S. applicationSer. No. 13/668,530, filed Nov. 5, 2012 and entitled “FOLD-OUT TRAILERWITH RETRACTABLE WHEEL ASSEMBLY”, which claims the benefit of U.S.Provisional Patent Application 61/555,292 filed Nov. 3, 2011, thecontents of all of which are hereby incorporated by reference in theirentirety.

BACKGROUND

Trailers have been used for centuries. Covered wagons, perhaps a moremodern form of trailers given the history, provided covered living spaceduring travel. More recent times have rendered the “pop-up” or“fold-out” vehicle pulled trailer in which the trailer has a couplepositions, a compacted travel position and an expanded use position.Each of these trailers is part of a long existing desire for expandablecovered living space presented in a trailer form.

Co-extensive with the modern development of trailers has been thedevelopment of renewable and non-renewable energy sources. Early on,fuel consumption was relatively low and concern about over use was notprevalent. As fuel consumption rose and expense of fuel reached newlevels, society became interested in being more energy efficient. Thistrend expanded into an awareness of the need to protect the environmentfrom wasteful uses of fuel. Trailers large in travel profile are at oddswith fuel efficiency. In addition, large trailers are difficult to storeand transport.

SUMMARY

This Summary and the Abstract herein are provided to introduce aselection of concepts in a simplified form that are further describedbelow in the Detailed Description. This Summary and the Abstract are notintended to identify key features or essential features of the claimedsubject matter, nor are they intended to be used as an aid indetermining the scope of the claimed subject matter. The claimed subjectmatter is not limited to implementations that solve any or alldisadvantages noted in the background.

A transportable fold-out structure includes a support frame. First andsecond primary platforms are pivotally supported by the support frameand each is disposed in an upright position wherein the platform extendsupwardly. Two wall assemblies are disposed opposite each other. Eachwall assembly includes a plurality of wall segments joined together.Each wall segment is pivotally joined to the support frame or one of theprimary platforms. Each wall assembly is movable from a first positionwherein the wall assembly is lying above the first and second primaryplatforms to a second position wherein the two wall assemblies face eachother. First and second extensions are configured to be selectivelypositionable wherein a first portion of the extension is connected tothe support frame and a second portion of the extension is remote fromthe corresponding first portion and extends laterally from the supportframe.

In one embodiment, the trailer includes a retractable wheel assemblythat provides stability for the trailer and is configured to assist withpreventing tipping of the trailer in high winds or due to improperloading, which often makes the trailer more top heavy. The retractablewheel assembly is configured to vary the space between a plurality ofwheels in at least two positions. The plurality of wheels are used tomaneuver the trailer by way of a guide assembly which retracts thewheels toward and away from one another. When the wheels are in aretracted position, the horizontal distance between each wheel isnarrow, allowing the trailer to fit onto narrow routes, such as, forexample, hiking trails. When the wheels are in an extended position, thehorizontal distance between each wheel is wider than that of theretracted position. In this configuration, the trailer is better suitedfor pulled by a vehicle at higher speeds because the weight of thetrailer is distributed farther laterally, thus resulting in sturdiertrailer.

In another embodiment, the trailer includes at least a plurality offabric support connections that retain a plurality of fabrics spacedapart from one another so as, if desired, to insulate the roof and sidewalls of the trailer. In another embodiment, the plurality of fabricsupport connections are connected by way of extrusions to some of thesides of the trailer and further provide insulation by forming a doublewall on those sides. In another embodiment, the plurality of fabricsupport connections form a double wall only on certain portions of thetop side of the trailer.

According to one embodiment, when the trailer is in a travelingconfiguration, space for storing items within the trailer is available.In the traveling configuration, the empty space areas inside the traileris congregated and made accessible, thus avoiding the need to tie travelaccessories to the outside of the vehicle or on top of the trailer,where such items will likely disturb the aerodynamics. In anotherembodiment, the trailer provides for additional storage space availablethrough at least one access door that provides access to a storagecompartment located below the floor of the trailer. The at least onestorage compartment may be available in both the traveling and thecamping configuration.

In yet a further embodiment, the fold-out trailer includes a skiassembly that allows the fold-out trailer to easily be moved acrosssnow.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of the fold-out trailer showing thetrailer in a fully-extended position.

FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the fold-out trailer in a fullyextended position showing the trailer with portions of the canopyremoved for clarity.

FIG. 3 is a schematic front elevational view of ground supports whichare selectively engageable with a ground surface.

FIG. 4 is a schematic top view of the ground supports of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a perspective sectional view of fabric support connections ona wall assembly.

FIG. 5A is a perspective sectional view of fabric support connections ona floor platform.

FIG. 6 is sectional view of the layers of at least two fabric panelsmade out of two or more layers for forming a hinge.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an upper portion of the trailer having afirst embodiment for covering a flexible hinge.

FIG. 7A is a perspective view of an upper portion of the trailer havinga second embodiment for covering a flexible hinge.

FIG. 8 is a top plan view of the trailer in the extended position.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the trailer in a mostly folded travelingposition with a step assembly installed.

FIG. 10 is a side elevational view of the trailer in the extendedposition.

FIG. 11 is front elevational view of the trailer in the travelingposition and the tire and wheel assemblies retracted.

FIG. 12 is a front elevational view of the trailer in the travelingposition and the tire and wheel assemblies extended.

FIG. 13 is a schematic illustration of a first embodiment of aretractable wheel assembly.

FIG. 14 is a schematic illustration of the retractable wheel assembly ofFIG. 13 in an alternative position.

FIG. 15A is a bottom plan view of the trailer.

FIG. 15B is a top plan view of the retractable wheel assembly of FIG.13.

FIG. 15C is a perspective view of the trailer with parts removed.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a lock assembly in a first position.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the lock assembly in a second position.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the lock assembly in a first and secondposition.

FIG. 19 is a sectional view of trailer.

FIG. 20 is an enlarged view of a retractable pin of a locking devicewith other portions removed.

FIG. 21 is a top plan view of a second embodiment of a retractable wheelassembly with portions removed.

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of the second embodiment of theretractable wheel assembly of FIG. 21 with portions removed.

FIG. 23 is an rear elevational view of the second embodiment of theretractable wheel assembly with portions removed.

FIGS. 24 and 25 are perspective views of a variation of the secondembodiment of the retractable wheel assembly with portions removed.

FIG. 26 is a top plan view of a third embodiment of a retractable wheelassembly.

FIG. 27 is a perspective view of the third embodiment of the retractablewheel assembly of FIG. 26 with portions removed.

FIG. 28 is a perspective view of a ski assembly connected to thetrailer.

FIG. 29 is a perspective view of the trailer with a second embodiment ofstabilizing supports.

The figures now have been shown and will be described in clear detailenabling one of ordinary skill to make and use the present invention.Modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope ofthe invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

Aspects of the invention will be described with respect to fold-outtrailer 10 illustrated, for example, in FIGS. 1, 2 and 8-12. However, itshould be understood that trailer 10 is but one embodiment where aspectsof the invention can be incorporated on other folding or expandingtrailers, or on other forms of trailers that are not necessarily usedfor camping or even on equipment that is generally pulled by anothervehicle or device.

The trailer 10 as shown in the figures and described herein has somefeatures also present in the trailer described in U.S. Pat. No.7,967,369, the content of which is hereby incorporated by reference inits entirety. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated, the trailer 10includes a trailer frame 20, at least one primary folding platform 40,at least one wall assembly 70 and a retractable wheel assembly 200.These components cooperatively form a fold-out trailer 10 that has asmall profile when folded that can be used on both narrow and widepaths. Additionally, the trailer 10 has a large covered living/storagearea when in an expanded, camping position 14.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the trailer frame 20 can have a tongue22 joined to a hitch 24. The hitch 24 can, in turn, be joined to avehicle, such as a car or an all-terrain vehicle, or any othermotor-powered object that is configured to receive the hitch 24 and pullthe trailer 10. These components are of standard size, strength andmaterials as are found throughout the field of trailers. The tongue 22is joined to a stationary platform 28, which can be of any material ofsuitable size and strength. The stationary platform 28 forms a portionof the floor when the trailer 10 is in the expanded, camping position14. As such, the stationary platform 28 may be insulated or have a floorcovering, such as carpet. The stationary platform 28 can also includeone or several storage compartments 97 that are accessible through atleast one access door 99. The access door 99 can be located below thefloor of the trailer and/or on the side of the stationary platform. Thestationary platform 28 has a major surface 30 defining a stationaryplane 31, a plurality of side edges 32, a front edge and a back edge 36.The stationary platform 28 may be joined to and supported above anundercarriage 26. The trailer 10 includes at least one primary foldingplatform 40. The primary folding platform 40 has a major surface 42, aninside edge 44, an outside edge 46 to which ground supports 58 can beattached. In one embodiment as illustrated, there are two primaryplatforms 40. The inside edge 44 of the primary platform 40 is desirablyjoined to one side edge 32 of the stationary platform 28 via a hinge.Such hinge may be a stepped-up hinge, adding clearance for the wallassemblies 70. The ground supports 58, joined to the primary platform40, are selectively engageable with a ground surface, e.g., dirt, sand,tar, gravel, etc. In an advantageous embodiment shown in FIGS. 3 and 4,ground supports 58 are removably attached to edge 46 by way of at leasta plurality of projections 17 a and 17 b selectively engaging groundsupport plate 58. Projections 17 a and 17 b extend outwardly from theedge 46. Apertures 19 a and 19 b located in ground support plate 59 areconfigured with a first ends to receive enlarged heads 18 of projections17 a and 17 b and extending slots of size only to accept support posts19.

The primary platform 40 has a folded position 52 (FIG. 9) in which theplane of the platform 40 and stationary plane 31 are skewed planes,e.g., non-parallel or perpendicular. One skilled in the art can see howthe angle of the platform 40 to the stationary platform 28 directlyimpacts any “top heavy” issues and trunk size issues. In the foldedposition, the primary folding platform 40 is used as an outer-mostenclosure, enclosing some of the remaining components of the trailer,such as, for example, the secondary folding platform. The primaryplatform 40 has an extended position 54 (FIGS. 1 and 2) in which theplatforms 40 and stationary platform 28 are co-planar. That is, theprimary platform 40 forms a portion of the floor and as such may beinsulated or have floor coverings including carpet as desired. In oneembodiment, two primary platforms 40 are provided, one folding on eachside of the trailer 10.

Referring back to FIGS. 1 and 2, the trailer 10 also includes at leastone wall assembly 70 which may have at least one segment 72 and perhapswindows 98. In one embodiment there are two wall assemblies 70 and threewall segments 72 per wall assembly 70. The wall assemblies 70 form rigidsides to the fold-out trailer 10 when in an extended position 14. Eachwall segment 72 has a major surface 74 defining a segment plane 75, sideedges 76, a top edge 78 and a bottom edge 80. Side edges 76 of adjacentwall segments 72 are preferably joined via a hinge 56. Bottom edges 80of each wall segment 72 are preferably joined to one of the stationaryplatform 28 and the primary platform 40 via a hinge 81, which may be astepped up hinge as needed. Each wall assembly 70 desirably has anextended position 86 in which the assembly is perpendicular to both thestationary platform 28 and the primary platforms 40 and a foldedposition in which the segments 72 are each parallel to one of theprimary platforms 40 and the stationary platform 28. One or more of thewall assemblies 70 may have a door 82 for human ingress and egress.

Referring again to FIGS. 1 and 2, when the wall assemblies 70 are in anextended position 86, a canopy 96 extends therebetween so as to providea roof and/or walls, being secured to the wall segments 72. The canopy96 may further be secured to the primary platform 40. While the canopy96 may be attached when the wall assemblies 70 are in the foldedposition 84, such is not necessary. Struts 71 or other support structureextending between the wall assemblies 70 may be used to add structuralsupport to the canopy 96 in the extended position. In one embodiment,the canopy 96 is of a tent awning or marine grade fabric known in theart, such as, but not limited to, nylon and/or canvas. The fabric can bemade of a variety of suitable materials. For example, some fabriccharacteristics can include puncture-resistant, mildew-resistant andmold-resistant. The fabric can also include properties so as to haveultra-violet protection.

In an advantageous embodiment, the canopy 96 comprises an outer fabriclayer 96 a and an inner fabric layer 96 b, each of which are fixedlyconnected to the wall assemblies 70 from when the wall assemblies 70 arein the folded transport configuration of the trailer 10 to the extendedconfiguration where the wall assemblies 70 are oriented perpendicular tothe platforms 40. As illustrated in FIG. 5, trailer 10 can also includea plurality of fabric support connections 100 a and 100 b for outerfabric layer 96 a and inner fabric layer 96 b, respectively. The fabricsupport connections 100 a and 100 b extend along the edges 76 and 78 ofeach wall assembly 70 and extend along the edges 46 of the primaryplatforms 40. The fabric support connections 100 a and 100 b are spacedapart from each other so as to hold fabrics 96 a and 96 b away from eachother in the extended position 86 of the trailer 10 so as to trap airtherebetween and thereby provide an insulated roof and side walls.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5, the fabric support connections100 a, 100 b comprise an enlarged lateral edge 142 on each of the edgesof the fabrics 96 a, 96 b that is disposed in elongated slotted channels143 a, 143 b such that the fabric 96 a, 96 b extends out of the slot ofthe slotted channels 143 a, 143 b. The slotted channels 143 a, 143 b canbe integrally formed together from a single unitary body such as from asingle extrusion 144. In the embodiment illustrated for the wallassemblies, the extrusion 144 is L-shaped where slotted channel 143 afor the outer fabric 96A is disposed along the outer edge of the wallsegments 72 and a support portion 145 a of the extrusion 144 covers theouter edge of the wall segments 72 of the wall assemblies 70, while asupport portion 145 b of the extrusion 144 supports the slotted channel143 b for the inner fabric 96 b, which is disposed on inwardly facingsurfaces of the wall segments 72 of the wall assemblies 70. In anotherembodiment, the elongated slotted channels 143 a and 143 b are notintegral (i.e., formed of a single unitary body) but rather are separatepieces connected, if desired, by way of a fastener (herein a pluralityof pins 115 attached to the wall segments 72).

As illustrated in FIG. 5A, slotted channels 153 along the edge 46 forthe fabrics 96 a, 96 b are substantially similar to the slotted channels143 disposed on edges 76, 78 in that they are spaced apart from eachother and have slots, herein opening upwardly, with portions of thefabrics 96 a, 96 b extending therethrough, while enlarged end portions152 are retained therein. As with the slotted channels 143 disposed onedges 76, 78 the slotted channels 153 disposed along edges 46 can beseparate parts (as illustrated) secured to edges 46 of each of theplatforms 40 or integrally formed from a single unitary body.

At this point it should be noted the enlarged ends 142 of the fabrics 96a, 96 b inserted in the slotted channels 143 a, 143 b can be formed forexample from fabric tubing or awning rope, such as sold by Keder ofShenzhen, China.

In the illustrated embodiment in FIG. 1, side extrusion 144 does notextend continuously along edges 76 and 78, but rather comprises threesections. A first section 144A of the side extrusion 144 starts at oneof the side edges 76 of the wall assembly 70 and extends longitudinallythrough the top edge 78 of the wall assembly 70 until it encounters afirst end 56 a of the hinge 56. A second extrusion section 144B of theside extrusion 144 begins at a second end 56 b of the hinge 56 andcurves around to a first end 56 c of a different hinge 56. A thirdsection 144C of the side extrusion 144 starts at a second end 56 d ofthe second hinge 56 and slightly curves at top edge 78 and extendsdownwardly alongside edge 76. In other words, extrusion 144B is disposedalong the upper edge of the middle wall segment 72 of each of the wallassemblies 70, while extrusions 144A and 144C are disposed along theedges of the side wall segments 72 of each of the wall assemblies 70.

In one embodiment as illustrated in FIG. 1, the inner fabric 96 b and/orthe outer fabric 96 a is made out of or can include stretchable material140, such as, for example, a band. The stretchable material 140, shownin FIG. 1, can extend throughout the whole inner fabric 96 b, or it canbe just in a section of the inner fabric 96 b. This will preventstraining the two fabrics 96 a, 96 b as the wall assemblies 70 areraised and separated so as to form the enclosure. In one embodiment, thematerial of the inner fabric 96 b may be different than the material ofthe outer fabric 96 a. For example, the inner fabric 96 b may belightweight and allow moisture to transfer through it. In anotherconfiguration as mentioned above, both the inner fabric 96 b and theouter fabric 96 a can trap air inside for insulation, yet still allowfor moisture to travel through.

In one embodiment as illustrated in FIG. 6, hinges 56 are made out of atleast two flexible (e.g. fabric) panels 133 a and 133 b. In anadvantageous embodiment, one or more of the at least two flexible panelsare made out of two or more layers 135 a and 135 b. The layers 135 a,135 b can be sewn, bonded or otherwise joined together.

In another embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1, 7 and 7A, flaps or covers114, 114A are provided so as to cover the hinges 56 where the fabricconnections 100A, 100B on the wall segments 72 are separated from eachother (because of the hinges 56 between the wall segments 72). Thecovers or flaps 114 help seal any open gaps that may exist between theends of the fabric connections 100A, 100B (herein extrusions 144A-144C).Portions of the covers or flaps 114 can be secured to the fabric 96 aand/or hinge 56 such as by bonding or sewing. If desired one end of thecovers or flaps 114, 114A can be loose and after configuration of thetrailer in the extended position, then the loose portion can be securedto the fabric 96 a or wall segment. In FIG. 7, cover 114 is secured tothe fabric 96A, while a loose portion can be removably secured to thewall segments 72 with suitable fasteners such as snaps, hook-and-loopfasteners and/or elastic bungee cords. In FIG. 7A, the cover 114A isformed from material of the hinge 56 and extends over an upper portionof the hinge 56 and is secured, in this embodiment non-removably, to thefabric 96 a. As described above, covers 114 and 114A can be separateelements or formed integrally as a single unitary body from fabric 96 aor the material forming hinge 56.

In one embodiment shown in FIG. 1, one or more receivers 116 can beprovided on the enclosure 108 such as provided on the outer fabric 96 athat runs all the way around the top panel 108 and accepts a segmentedrod 120, as typically found with outdoor tents. For instance, there canbe two such receivers. In one embodiment, a segmented rod 122 that snapstogether can be inserted in the receivers 116 to help hold the enclosure108 upright and prevent sagging of the fabric 96 a. The receiver 116 cancomprise one or more pockets, as illustrated, and/or spaced apart loops124.

In one embodiment, trailer 10 includes a rigid panel 109, as shown inFIG. 1. Rigid panel 109 extends above the inside edges 44 of the primaryfolding platform 40 and connects the inside edges 44 with the fabricsupport connections 100. The rigid panel 109 ensures that if pressurewere applied (i.e., by way of a human shoe or large item) against thesides of the fold-out trailer in the expanded position, the appliedpressure will not rip the fabric.

In one embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 8, a hooked fastener inside thetrailer 10 can be used to create a panel board 119 so that the wallsegments 72 and the hinges 56 will no longer be independent, but will betied together as a single wall structure for extra support. In oneembodiment, panel board 119 is held in place by way of at least aplurality of supports 121.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 9, the trailer 10 includes solar panels128 underneath the cover of the top panel 118 on the inward facing sideof the trailer 10. The top panel 118 may be removable. That is, the toppanel 118 may be wholly or partially removable. In an advantageousembodiment, the solar panels 128 are operably connected to a battery 129in order to store the energy obtained by the solar panels 128 for use,for example, during the night. If desired, the solar panels 128 can bearranged to work even when the trailer 10 is in the traveling or foldedposition 12.

The front cover 90 may be positioned adjacent to the tongue 22. Thefront cover 90 provides an initial wind engaging surface when travelingwith the trailer in the folded position 12 and therefore is intended tohave an aerodynamic exterior shape. The cover 90 further defines an areafor storage, which may include items such as propane tanks. The frontcover 90 may engage the stationary platform 28 and primary platforms 40when the primary platforms 40 are in a folded position 52 as illustratedin FIG. 9. Structure of the front cover 90 may engage the stationaryplatform 28 and may be removably joined to the wall assembly 70 when thewall assembly 70 is in the extended position 86. In either engagementscenario, an area for storage is defined therein.

A back cover, not shown, engages the stationary platform 28 and isengageable with the primary platforms 40 when the primary platforms 40are in the folded position 52. The back cover helps maintain anycontents inside the trailer 10 when the primary platforms 40 are in thefolded position and further can inhibit suction within the trailer 10during travel. The back cover may be hinged or otherwise arranged toengage the stationary platform 28 and a ground surface, such as sand,dirt, water, gravel, vegetation, etc., when the back cover is in anextended position. The back cover may be shaped as a ramp for easyloading and unloading of the trailer. Alternatively, the back cover mayprovide steps to climb into the trailer 10.

In an advantageous embodiment shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the trailer 10includes steps 130 for entering and exiting the trailer 10 through thedoor 82. The steps 130 comprise L-shaped brackets 132 that slide intocorresponding receivers 134. The brackets 132 are skewed outwardly inorder to provide stability. The steps 130 can also utilize an adjustablesupport 136 that extends downwardly. Panels 131 are removably joined tothe brackets 132 to form the steps 130.

Referring to FIG. 10, a winch assembly 235 is provided to lift and lowera wall assembly 70, herein the front wall assembly. The winch assembly235 includes a winch 266, an optional pulley 272 and lift cable 274attached at a remote end to the wall assembly 70. FIG. 10 illustratestwo winch configurations. In a first exemplary configuration, the pulley272 is mounted in a lower position 280, while in a second exemplaryconfiguration the winch assembly 235 includes a mast 270 to support thepulley 272 at a higher location to increase leverage. The winch 266 canbe an electric or manual winch. In an alternative embodiment, the winch266 can be located at position 280.

The winch assembly 235 can also include and a mast 270 with a deployablepulley 272 so that a larger angle is created with cable 274 to lift thewall assembly 70. Supports 71 can be provided inside (or outside) tosupport the wall assembly 70 in the vertical position. Such supports 71can be located along the roof (FIG. 2) and/or along side(s) of thetrailer 10 (FIG. 10).

A latch 268 can also be used to hold the wall assembly 70 vertically inthe extended position. The latch 268 can take any number of forms. Forinstance, the latch 268 can comprise a plate 271 secured to the wallassembly 70 so as to raise and lower with the wall assembly 70. Theplate 271 can include an aperture. When the wall assembly 70 is in theupright position of FIG. 10, the aperture would be disposed proximate afixed, support structure (for example a portion of front cover 290) suchthat a pin disposed in the aperture also engages the fixed supportstructure so as to inhibit movement of the plate 271 away from the fixedsupport structure.

In one embodiment shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, another aspect furthercomprises a retractable or adjustable wheel assembly 200 that varies thespacing between a plurality of wheels 202 used to maneuver the trailer10. Schematic illustrations of a first embodiment of the retractablewheel assembly 200A are shown in FIGS. 13 and 14. The retractable wheelassembly 200A includes a support assembly 204, a guide assembly 206 anda link assembly 208. The support assembly 204 has a support base 210rigidly connected to the frame of the trailer 10 in the traveling andthe camping positions 12, 14. The support assembly 204 also has at leasta plurality of support plates 212 that move relative to the support base210. In an extended position of the retractable wheel assembly 200 shownin FIG. 12, the plurality of support plates 212 is spaced apart from oneanother (FIG. 13). As the retractable wheel assembly 200 moves toward aretracted position 214 shown in FIG. 11, the plurality of support plates212 move toward one another so that the ends closest to the wheels 202are aligned with each lateral end of the support 210 (FIG. 14). In theembodiment illustrated, support plates 212 are in the same plane.

The outer ends of the support plates 212 are connected to the wheels 202of the trailer 10 by way of a torsion spindle assembly having a torsionspring 218, an arm 220 and a spindle 222. The wheels 202 movehorizontally when the support plates 212 either move toward or away fromone another. Displacement of the plurality of support plates 212 towardand away is guided through guides 224. Each guide 224 is connected tothe support base 210 and herein includes four guide supports 226.

As illustrated in FIG. 13, movement of the support plates 212 toward andaway from each other is provided by a drive actuator 248 and linkassembly 208. Link assembly 208 includes two similarly-constructed linksub-assemblies 231 a and 231 b that are mirror images of one another.The two link sub-assemblies 231 a and 231 b extend along each side of anaxis of symmetry 242. Link sub-assembly 231 a includes a link arm 236, alever arm 238, a link 236, wherein a pin 232 connects the link 236 to aslot 234 extending within the support base 210, and a drive element 251.The link arm 236 moves along with the pin 232, where the pin 232 moveswithin the slot 234. Link arm 236 is connected to the lever arm 238 byway of a pin 241, and lever arm 238 is connected to the drive link 244by way of a pin 243. Drive link 244 is connected to the drive element251. A threaded screw 250 is threadably connected to the drive element251 to form the drive actuator 248 where rotation of the threaded screw250 causes the drive element to move toward and away from the supportplate 210. It should be understood that other forms of actuators couldbe used, such as, but not limited to, hydraulic, electric and pneumaticbased actuators.

At this point it should be noted that the retractable wheel assembly 200includes a single actuating assembly. In other words, a single devicewhich when actuated causes simultaneous movement of both wheels 202inwardly or outwardly. In this embodiment, the single actuating assemblycomprises drive actuator 248.

Each lever arm 238 pivots about a stationary pivot 245. As drive link244 moves toward the support base 210, support plates 212 are pushed outor away from each other. Similarly, as drive link 244 moves away fromthe support base 210, support plates 212 are drawn in toward oneanother. When the support assembly 204 is in the extended position, linksub-assemblies 231 a and 231 b are on opposite sides of axis of symmetry242 and the lever arms 238 extend alongside the axis of symmetry 242.When the support assembly 204 is in the retracted position, link arms236 move toward each other and cross as lever arms 238 pivot in order toincrease the force applied to moving the support plates 212. FIGS. 15A,15B and 15C, illustrate movement of the link sub-assemblies 231 a and231 b. It should be noted that lever arms 238 overlap but travel inseparate, parallel planes that extend horizontally so that as lever arms238 move toward and away from one another, lever arms 238 never actuallyestablish contact.

FIGS. 15B and 16-20 further illustrate an axle locking mechanism 292.The axle locking mechanism 292 holds the support plates 212 in retractedand expanded positions. The axle locking mechanism 292 includes lockingassemblies 296 and an actuating assembly 298. Referring to FIGS. 19-20,the locking assembly 296 includes a plurality of locking devices 300such as a pin or lever connected to an actuating wire or cable 304. Alock plate 307 is secured to each of the support plates 212 and includesrecesses 318 a and 318 b to hold the support plate 212 in the retractedand expanded positions, respectively. A spring 302 can be coupled toeach locking device 300 so as to bias the locking device 300 to thelocked position, either in recess 318 a or recess 318 b.

Referring to FIGS. 16-18, the actuating assembly 298 includes an axlelock plate 305, an axle lock handle 306, a spacer 310, and a pull rod314 connecting the spacer 310 to the cable 304. In a first position,when the axle lock handle 306 is pulled, pins 300 are also pulled backagainst the bias of the springs 302. In particular, the axle lock handle306 is pulled with spacer 310 aligned with slot 316 such that spacer 310is pulled therethrough. The axle lock handle 306 can then be turned, forexample 90 degrees, so that the spacer 310 engages plate 305 because ofthe bias of the springs 302 pulling the handle 306 toward the plate 305.This will ensure that the pins 300 are held back and are prevented fromentering the recesses 318 a or 318 b. In this position of the actuatingassembly 298, the wheels 202 can be expanded or retracted. Typically, atsome point during adjustment of the wheels 202, the axle lock handle 306is turned back so as to align spacer 310 with slot 316. However, sincethe pins 300 are not aligned with either of the recesses 318 a or 318 b,the pins 300 will slide along the lock plates 307 with expansion orretraction of the wheels 202. When the pins 300 are aligned with eithernotch 318A or notch 318B due to movement of support plates 212, thespring 302 will force the pins 300 into one of notches 318A or 318B tosecure the position of the support plates 212

FIGS. 21-23 show another embodiment of a retractable wheel assembly 288with a single actuating assembly. In this embodiment, the singleactuating assembly comprises a rack-and-pinion mechanism 320 where othercomponents having the same function as the previous embodiment have beenidentified with the same reference numbers. The rack-and-pinionmechanism 320 has a circular gear 322 (also referred to as “the pinion”)and two linear gears 324A and 324B (also referred to as “racks”). Thepinion 322 is an external gear secured to rod 329, which is rotated bythe user, similar to rod 251 of the previous embodiment. The lineargears 324A and 324B are straight bars with teeth 330 on one side. Whenthe rod 329 causes rotational motion to be applied to the pinion 322,the pinion 322 rotates and the teeth of the pinion 322 engage the teethof the linear gears 324A and 324B, causing the linear gears 324A and324B to move sideways in opposite directions from one another. The endsof linear gears 324 are connected to the link arms 236, which movewithin slot openings 234. The link arms 236 are joined to the supportplates 212. Hence, as the linear gears 324 move sideways, the link arms236 also move sideways in the slot openings 234 toward or away from oneanother. As with the link assembly of the previous embodiment, therack-and-pinion mechanism 320 operates to move both wheels 202 of thetrailer 10 simultaneously in or out.

FIGS. 24-25 illustrate a variant of a pinion and rack mechanism 340where components having similar function are identified with the samereference numbers of the previous embodiments. In this embodiment, thepinion gear 322 has increased torque due to the presence of a largerdiameter drive disc, herein a gear 342 coupled thereto by a chain 344(or other endless member such as a belt) with a smaller gear 345rotating at the same speed as gear 342 by being mounted on a commonshaft. Gear 342 is driven by rotation of shaft 329 by the user throughgear 346 and chain 348. Multiple revolutions of the smaller gear 345 areneeded to cause a single revolution of the larger diameter gear 342.Advantageously the gears and chain(s), or belts and pulleys, allow theshaft 329 to be located at a higher position relative to the spindles ofthe wheels 202 so as to provide easier manipulation by the user. Statedyet another way, the drive shaft 329 is laterally offset from the piniongear 322 and disposed at a height above the support base 210 greaterthan a height of the pinion gear 322 above the support base 210.

As appreciated by those skilled in the art the endless members, hereinchains, can be removed with direct connection of the rotatable drivedisc members. It should be noted supports for the shaft 329, gear 346,gears 342, 345 and pinion gear 322 have been removed for purposes ofclearer understanding.

FIGS. 26-27 illustrate another embodiment of a retractable wheelassembly 289 with a single actuating assembly. In this embodiment, thesingle actuating assembly comprises a worm or pinion gear mechanism 332.The worm or pinion gear mechanism 332 includes a gear assembly similarto a vehicle differential that being a pinion gear connected to shaft329, which rotates a gear on each of threaded shafts 338A and 338B. Theends of shafts 338A and 338B are rotatably mounted with bearings 336Aand 336B to mounting plates 334A and 334B that are secured to portionsof the trailer 10 not shown, thus allowing shafts 338A and 338B torotate when driven by the pinion gear connected to shaft 329. The linkarms 236A and 236B are coupled to the shafts 338A and 338B via nuts 335Aand 335B, respectively, threadably mating with shafts 338A and 338B,respectively. With rotation of the shafts 338A, 338B, the nuts 335A,335B are displaced thereby moving the drive links 236A, 236B and supportplates 212 attached thereto. The worm gear mechanism 332 achieves hightorque at a low speed and causes simultaneous movement of both wheels202 inwardly or outwardly.

In one configuration shown in FIG. 28, the trailer 10 has a ski assembly252 for each wheel 202 designed to aid the trailer 10 to slide smoothlyover snow. The ski assembly 252 is joined to the trailer frame 20 by wayof a forward stabilizing link 254 pivotally fixed to a front portion ofa ski 256. An end of the forward stabilizing link 254 remote from theski 256 is removably, pivotally fixed to the trailer frame 20. The ski256 is configured to receive a tire 260 of the wheel 202. The vertical,longitudinal, and lateral movement of each tire 202 is constrained witha strap 264 extending over the top of the tire 202 in order to secure itin place. The ends of the strap 264 are connected to the ski 256. Theforward stabilizing link 254 in combination with the compliance of thetorsion supported spindle for the wheel 202, the ski 256 and the trailerframe 20 forms a four bar linkage allowing flexibility but alsoproviding sufficient rigidity. In particular, the front stabilizer link254 allows the ski 256 to flex with the torsion spindle but remainstable without excess rotation relative to the wheel axis. The forwardstabilizing link 254 inhibits the front of the ski 256 from digging intothe snow with movement of the trailer 10 over the snow.

FIG. 29 illustrates a second embodiment of a stabilizing support system283. In this embodiment lateral support members 285 (e.g. adjustable inlength) are mounted to extensions 287 that are removably, fixedlyconnected to the trailer frame 20. In the embodiment illustrated, thetrailer frame 20 includes receivers 289, each of which is configured toreceive a portion of one of the extensions 287. The stabilizing supportsystem 283 is particularly advantageous because the trailer 10 can beleveled in the folded transport position, rather than leveled after theplatforms 40 have been lowered as in the previous embodiment of FIGS. 1and 2. In addition, rather than providing support on the outer edges ofthe platforms 40, the platforms 40 can rest upon and along the length ofthe extensions 287. If desired, all or just the rear pair of lateralsupport members 285 and extensions 287 can be installed to remove atleast some of the weight off the wheels 202 during expansion and/orretraction of the retractable wheel assembly. In one embodiment, thelateral support members 285 and extensions 287 can be stored as pairs incompartments 291 provided on the outwardly facing surfaces of theprimary platforms 40.

Although the subject matter has been described in language directed tospecific environments, structural features and/or methodological acts,it is to be understood that the subject matter defined in the appendedclaims is not limited to the environments, specific features or actsdescribed above as has been held by the courts. Rather, theenvironments, specific features and acts described above are disclosedas example forms of implementing the claims.

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 10. (canceled) 11.A transportable fold-out structure comprising: a support frame; a firstprimary platform having a first major surface defining a first primaryplane, a first inside edge and a first outside edge, the first primaryplatform being pivotally supported by the support frame, the firstprimary platform being disposed in a first upright position wherein thefirst primary platform extends upwardly from the first inside edge withthe first outside edge being elevated above the first inside edge; and asecond primary platform having a second major surface defining asecondary primary plane, a second inside edge and a second outside edge,the second primary platform being pivotally supported by the supportframe on a side opposite the first primary platform, the second primaryplatform being disposed in a second upright position wherein the secondprimary platform extends upwardly from the second inside edge with thesecond outside edge being elevated above the second inside edge; twowall assemblies wherein the two wall assemblies are disposed oppositeeach other, each wall assembly comprising a plurality of wall segmentsjoined together with a wall segment hinge, each wall segment beingjoined to the support frame or one of the primary platforms with a floorhinge, each wall assembly being movable from a first position whereinthe wall assembly is lying above the first and second primary platformsto a second position wherein the two wall assemblies face each other; afirst extension configured to be selectively positionable wherein afirst portion of the first extension is connected to the support frameand a second portion of the first extension remote from thecorresponding first portion extends laterally from the support frame;and a second extension configured to be selectively positionable whereina first portion of the second extension is connected to the supportframe and a second portion of the second extension remote from thecorresponding first portion extends laterally from the support frame.12. The transportable fold-out structure of claim 11 wherein the supportframe includes a first receiver to receive the first portion of thefirst extension and a second receiver to receive the first portion ofthe second extension.
 13. The transportable fold-out structure of claim11 and further comprising a first lateral support joined to a secondportion of the first extension on an end opposite the correspondingfirst portion, and comprising a second lateral support joined to asecond portion of the second extension on an end opposite thecorresponding first portion, each lateral support extending dowwardlyand configured to engage a ground surface.
 14. The transportablefold-out structure of claim 13 wherein each lateral support isadjustable in length.
 15. The transportable fold-out structure of claim14 wherein the first primary platform includes a first compartmentfacing outwardly when the first primary platform is in the first uprightposition, the first compartment removably storing the first lateralsupport, and wherein the second primary platform includes a secondcompartment facing outwardly when the second primary platform is in thesecond upright position, the second compartment removably storing thesecond lateral support.
 16. The transportable fold-out structure ofclaim 15 wherein each primary platform includes a front edge and a rearedge, each of the front edge and the rear edge extending laterallybetween the corresponding inside edge and the corresponding outsideedge, the first extension extending laterally from the support frame soas to be proximate the rear edge of the first primary platform when thefirst primary platform is in the extended position and the secondextension extending laterally from the support frame so as to beproximate the rear edge of the second primary platform when the secondprimary platform is in the extended position.
 17. The transportablefold-out structure of claim 16 and further comprising; a third extensionconfigured to be selectively positionable wherein a first portion of thethird extension is connected to the support frame and a second portionof the third extension remote from the corresponding first portionextends laterally from the support frame along the front edge of thefirst primary platform when the first primary platform is in the firstextended position; a fourth extension configured to be selectivelypositionable wherein a first portion of the fourth extension isconnected to the support frame and a second portion of the fourthextension remote from the corresponding first portion extends laterallyfrom the support frame along the front edge of the second primaryplatform when the second primary platform is in the second extendedposition; and a third lateral support joined to a second portion of thethird extension on an end opposite the corresponding first portion, andcomprising a fourth lateral support joined to a second portion of thefourth extension on an end opposite the corresponding first portion,each of the third and fourth lateral supports extending downwardly andconfigured to engage the ground surface.
 18. The transportable fold-outstructure of claim 17 and further comprising a canopy connected to andextending between the first and second wall assemblies.
 19. Thetransportable fold-out structure of claim 18 and a stationary platformjoined to the support frame and disposed between the inside edges of thefirst primary platform and the secondary primary platform.
 20. Thetransportable fold-out structure of claim 11 and further comprising: atongue having a hitch joined to the support frame; and a wheel assemblyjoined to the support frame, the wheel assembly having a first wheelrotatably joined at a first end and a second wheel rotatably joined at asecond end.
 21. The transportable fold-out structure of claim 20 whereinthe wheel assembly is configured to adjust a distance between the firstwheel and the second wheel.
 22. A method of deploying a transportablefold-out structure comprising: providing a support frame, a firstprimary platform having a first major surface defining a first primaryplane, a first inside edge and a first outside edge, the first primaryplatform being pivotally supported by the support frame, the firstprimary platform being disposed in a first upright position wherein thefirst primary platform extends upwardly from the first inside edge withthe first outside edge being elevated above the first inside edge, and asecond primary platform having a second major surface defining asecondary primary plane, a second inside edge and a second outside edge,the second primary platform being pivotally supported by the supportframe on a side opposite the first primary platform, the second primaryplatform being disposed in a second upright position wherein the secondprimary platform extends upwardly from the second inside edge with thesecond outside edge being elevated above the second inside edge; whilethe first primary platform is in the first upright position, positioninga first extension wherein a first portion of the first extension isconnected to the support frame and a second portion of the firstextension remote from the corresponding first portion extends laterallyfrom the support frame; while the second primary platform is in thesecond upright position, positioning a second extension wherein a firstportion of the second extension is connected to the support frame and asecond portion of the second extension remote from the correspondingfirst portion extends laterally from the support frame; lowering thefirst primary platform from the first upright position to a firstextended position where the first primary platform extends laterallyfrom the support frame and is supported by the first extension in thefirst extended position; and lowering the second primary platform fromthe second upright position to a second extended position where thesecond primary platform extends laterally from the support frame and issupported by the second extension in the second extended position. 23.The method of claim 22 wherein positioning the first extension includespositioning a first lateral support connected to the second portion ofthe first extension so as to be laterally disposed away from the supportframe, and wherein positioning the second extension includes positioninga second lateral support connected to the second portion of the secondextension so as to be laterally disposed away from the support frame.24. The method of claim 22 wherein each of the first and second lateralsupports are adjustable in length, and the method further comprisesadjusting the first and second lateral supports to engage a groundsurface prior to lowering of the first primary platform and the secondprimary platform, respectively.
 25. The method of claim 22 and furthercomprising: while the first primary platform is in the first uprightposition, positioning a third extension wherein a first portion of thethird extension is connected to the support frame and a second portionof the third extension remote from the corresponding first portionextends laterally from the support frame, the third extension beingspaced apart along the support frame from the first extension; and whilethe second primary platform is in the second upright position,positioning a fourth extension wherein a first portion of the fourthextension is connected to the support frame and a second portion of thefourth extension remote from the corresponding first portion extendslaterally from the support frame, the fourth extension being spacedapart along the support frame from the second extension.
 26. The methodof claim 25 wherein the first primary platform includes a first frontedge and a first rear edge each extending between the first inside edgeand the first outside edge, the first rear edge being on a side of thefirst primary platform opposite the first front edge, and wherein thesecond primary platform includes a second front edge and a second rearedge each extending between the second inside edge and the secondoutside edge, the second rear edge being on a side of the second primaryplatform opposite the second front edge, wherein positioning the firstextension includes positioning the first extension on the support frameso that the first extension is proximate the first front edge when thefirst primary platform is lowered to its extended position, whereinpositioning the second extension includes positioning the secondextension on the support frame so that the second extension is proximatethe second front edge when the second primary platform is lowered to itsextended position, wherein positioning the third extension includespositioning the third extension on the support frame so that the thirdextension is proximate the first rear edge when the first primaryplatform is lowered to its extended position, and wherein positioningthe fourth extension includes positioning the fourth extension on thesupport frame so that the fourth extension is proximate the second rearedge when the second primary platform is lowered to its extendedposition.
 27. The method of claim 26 wherein positioning the firstextension includes positioning a first lateral support connected to thesecond portion of the first extension so as to be laterally disposedaway from the support frame, and wherein positioning the secondextension includes positioning a second lateral support connected to thesecond portion of the second extension so as to be laterally disposedaway from the support frame, wherein positioning the third extensionincludes positioning a third lateral support connected to the secondportion of the third extension so as to be laterally disposed away fromthe support frame, and wherein positioning the fourth extension includespositioning a fourth lateral support connected to the second portion ofthe fourth extension so as to be laterally disposed away from thesupport frame.
 28. The method of claim 27 wherein positioning each ofthe first, second, third and fourth extensions includes moving theextensions from a respective location where each of the first, second,third and fourth extensions is carried by the transportable structureand not extending laterally from support frame.
 29. The method of claim27 and further comprising storing each of the extensions on thetransportable structure when not extending laterally from support frame.30. The method of claim 29 wherein the first primary platform includes acompartment facing outwardly when the first primary platform is in thefirst upright position and wherein storing includes storing lateralsupports in the first compartment.
 31. The method of claim 24 whereinthe support frame includes wheel assembly having a first wheel rotatablyjoined at a first end and a second wheel rotatably joined at a secondend, and wherein the method includes reducing weight upon the first andsecond wheel assemblies after adjusting the lengths of the first andsecond lateral supports.
 32. A transportable fold-out structurecomprising: a support frame; a first primary platform having a firstmajor surface defining a first primary plane, a first inside edge and afirst outside edge, the first primary platform being pivotally supportedby the support frame, the first primary platform being disposed in afirst upright position wherein the first primary platform extendsupwardly from the first inside edge with the first outside edge beingelevated above the first inside edge; and a second primary platformhaving a second major surface defining a secondary primary plane, asecond inside edge and a second outside edge, the second primaryplatform being pivotally supported by the support frame on a sideopposite the first primary platform, the second primary platform beingdisposed in a second upright position wherein the second primaryplatform extends upwardly from the second inside edge with the secondoutside edge being elevated above the second inside edge; a firstextension configured to be selectively positionable wherein a firstportion of the first extension is connected to the support frame and asecond portion of the first extension remote from the correspondingfirst portion extends laterally from the support frame; a first lateralsupport joined to the second portion of the first extension, the firstlateral support configured to engage a ground surface; a secondextension configured to be selectively positionable wherein a firstportion of the second extension is connected to the support frame and asecond portion of the second extension remote from the correspondingfirst portion extends laterally from the support frame; a second lateralsupport joined to the second portion of the second extension, the secondlateral support configured to engage the ground surface; and a wheelassembly joined to the support frame between the hitch and the first andsecond extensions extending laterally from the support frame, the wheelassembly having a pair of wheels.
 33. The transportable fold-outstructure according to claim 32 and comprising a tongue support joinedto the tongue proximate the hitch.
 34. The transportable fold-outstructure according to claim 33 wherein the tongue support includes acrank arm.
 35. The transportable fold-out structure according to claim33 wherein the tongue support includes a support wheel to engage theground surface.
 36. A trailer, comprising: a trailer frame having ahitch; a pair of wheel assemblies, each wheel assembly being movablymounted to the trailer frame so as to be located at a selected distancelaterally from the trailer frame; a pair of extensions, each extensionextending laterally from the trailer frame; a pair of lateral supportswherein a lateral support is joined to a portion of each extension, eachlateral support configured to engage the ground surface so as to reduceweight upon the wheel assemblies when adjusting each wheel assembly tothe selected distance from the trailer frame.
 37. A method for adjustingmovable wheel assemblies on a trailer each to a selected lateraldistance away from a trailer frame, the method comprising: positioningextensions so as to extend laterally away from the trailer frameadjacent each wheel assembly each extension having a lateral groundsupport; locating each ground support to engage a ground surface so asto reduce weight upon the wheel assemblies; and when the weight upon thewheel assemblies has been reduced, adjusting positions of the wheelassemblies to the selected lateral distances away from the trailerframe.